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Assistant Director, Donor Relations

Closes:

76

Stanford Medicine is a world-class academic medical institution comprised of Stanford University School of Medicine, a research-intensive medical school, and Stanford Health Care, a regional hospital system that is nationally recognized for quality patient care and leading-edge technology. Stanford's top-ranking Medical Center Development (MCD) team supports the goals and purposes of Stanford Medicine including a significant focus on securing resources to realize the aspirations of the medical enterprise in alignment with the Stanford University-wide strategic vision.

Medical Center Development is seeking an Assistant Director of Donor Relations. If you are a mission-driven team member with a passion for philanthropy, strong project management skills, and have an interest in science and medicine, this might be the job for you.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director, Donor Relations, is a position that will take an active role in managing and implementing donor relations engagement strategies for donors who support Stanford Medicine.

The mission of the MCD donor relations team is to connect donors to the joy of their giving and to the impact of their gift with the purpose of maximizing philanthropy and long-term engagement with Stanford Medicine. Donor relations officers act as active, involved partners with gift officers in setting donor relations strategies and carrying them out. This is a highly collaborative team looking for a colleague who is motivated, positive, and passionate about medical advancement.

This position requires a detail-oriented project manager who can manage competing priorities with organization, efficiency, and professionalism, while also being able to communicate clearly with collaborators across Stanford Medicine. Some of the projects this person will be managing include, School of Medicine financial aid reporting, holiday communications, and large complex stewardship reports. Additionally, this position requires someone who is comfortable using multiple databases to track the lifecycle of a gift and synthesize information to assess stewardship needs. Success in this position depends on the ability to work in concert with others, while focusing resources to move complex stewardship deliverables to completion on schedule.

Core Duties:

  • Manage a portfolio of annual reporting and donor engagement activities on behalf of the university by establishing and executing project plans, timelines, tasks, and objectives.
  • Develop and provide recommendations on best methodologies to engage individual donors by analyzing past trends, researching donor profiles, and collaborating with colleagues to identify and produce key donor relations deliverables, including donor correspondence, videos or events.
  • Responsible for a timely gift acknowledgment process including identifying gifts that qualify for acknowledgement. May write original copy of acknowledgements on behalf of university leaders (e.g., the president, board chair, dean).
  • Work with non-development colleagues in the process of executing stewardship activities and to ensure funds are spent in alignment with donors' wishes. Escalate discrepancies when needed.
  • Manage the process of requesting gift usage information from beneficiaries, (such as students, faculty). May draft, edit, rewrite, and exercise judgement to determine appropriateness of content. Create reports and ensure timely delivery to donors using appropriate messaging.
  • Independently project manage donor recognition projects, including creating communications with donors, colleagues, and vendors which may include: donor walls, signage and websites.
  • May initiate the gift entry process. Perform an annual audit of assigned portfolios against the development database to ensure that all related documents, fund, steward, and beneficiary information are accurate and complete. Identify and resolve any inaccuracies.
  • May assist with creating and executing events; coordinate with the donor relations community on cross functional events.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Superior organizational skills.
  • Excellent writing, research and editorial skills; ability to synthesize information and compose clear and effective materials.
  • Ability to listen and respond with diplomacy and tact.
  • Demonstrated experience managing and coordinating multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to quickly understand and remember details about donors and projects to which they are assigned.
  • Strong customer service focus; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated sound judgment in situations requiring independent decision-making and in handling confidential and sensitive material.
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite and database applications.
  • Demonstrated project management skills.

Drivers License Requirements

  • Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
  • Ability to drive day or night.
  • When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

Job details

Title
Assistant Director, Donor Relations
Employer
Stanford University
Location
Redwood City, CA, United States
Published
Oct 6, 2026
Closes:
Dec 5, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Development and Fundraising

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Assistant Director, Donor Relations?

This listing is for Assistant Director, Donor Relations at Stanford University.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Redwood City, CA, United States.

💰What is the salary?

Salary is not listed on this posting.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Dec 5, 2026.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is Full time.

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

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Stanford University Jobs

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AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover Stanford jobs, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities at one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative universities. Stanford University, located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, is globally renowned for its groundbreaking research and academic excellence, making Stanford Uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals worldwide. Stanford University careers offer a dynamic and collaborative environment for individuals to excel. Stanford University university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the university’s key areas of academic specialization, including computer science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and business. Employment Stanford University includes roles such as professors, research fellows, lecturers, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing Stanford jobs California, the university’s iconic campus provides a vibrant workplace in a hub of innovation and technology. Stanford Uni vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in teaching, cutting-edge research, and administrative roles. Jobs at Stanford University cover fields like artificial intelligence, biomedical research, and sustainable energy, aligning with the university’s mission to address global challenges and drive societal impact. Each Stanford University vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to transformative initiatives within a world-class academic community. Stanford University Employment Opportunities are extensive, with Stanford University job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A Stanford University Career offers the chance to join an institution that values interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and global leadership. Stanford Uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest Stanford University vacancies. Jobs at Stanford Uni are ideal for those passionate about advancing knowledge and shaping the future. Stanford University job postings include positions in law, environmental science, and professional services such as IT and research administration. Stanford University Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with Stanford Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a leading institution driving global progress and innovation.

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